WebMD, Medsite merge to create greatest doctor reach in industry

WebMD, Medsite merge to create greatest doctor reach in industry       

WebMD significantly expanded its physician reach and offerings by acquiring medical education and physician recruitment giant Medsite, the company said yesterday. The $41 million acquisition marries Medsite's database of more than 400,000 physicians with the WebMD Health Network, which includes Medscape and MedicineNet. According to WebMD, the combined companies will deliver the greatest reach in the industry to physicians in every major specialty. For pharma and biotech companies, the acquisition also provides expanded online tools for sales and marketing efforts. Medsite works with more than 60 pharma, device, and healthcare companies, according to WebMD. The acquisition is expected to close during the third quarter of 2006.